Before signing up for a retirement annuity make sure you understand what type of policy you are signing up for and the financial consequences should you not be able to maintain your premiums. When Neil could no longer afford to keep up with his...
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Starting a property portfolio
“I am 22 years of age and I work as a risk manager earning R18 000 a month. I am moving to Boksburg to be close to work and will be renting, however I see that Cosmopolitan is building affordable houses selling at R320 000. I am thinking about...
What should you look for when selecting an asset manager?
Patrick Barker, Private Client Portfolio Manager at Cannon Asset Managers, looks at key factors to consider when selecting an investment manager. Dealing with other people’s money carries a fiduciary duty and responsibility. When making decisions...
The cost advantages of index tracking funds
by Mike Brown, Managing Director, etfSA.co.za Warren Buffett, the world’s most famous investor, made the following observation in his letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders in February this year. In his instruction to the Trustee of the Warren...
Four quick investment lessons
Given the recent market events, such as the weakening rand, it is becoming even more vital for investors to understand that their investment portfolios are not only influenced by market movements, but also by their own actions. This is according to...
Your credit report can ruin your chances of securing a job
It is a known fact that unemployment figures in South Africa are amongst some of the highest in the world. Securing a job can prove to be one of the most difficult tasks one has to face, as job candidates are jostling with thousands of other...
Can you live debt free?
I was recently interviewed by a magazine who asked if it is possible for a family today to live debt-free. My reply was “absolutely”. I believe that because of the proliferation of credit cards and easy access to credit, we have forgotten how to...
Watching TV news is bad for you
Lara Warburton of Imara Asset Management warns of the dangers for investors of paying too much attention to the news. Do you want to avoid making bad investment decisions? If you do, a good start is to avoid too much bad news on TV; especially now...
Is your will worth the paper it’s written on?
There are times when the instructions contained in your will might not be carried out as you intended. South Africans have always believed that they enjoy total freedom of testation - unlike many other countries where legislation imposes forced...
The risk of easy credit
“I've always been a saver and have hated debt with a passion. I applied for a store card to create a good credit rating. It soon became clear that I am not a disciplined spender so I paid off the card and closed the account. This year I bought a...
Previous Articles
Retirement: still a valid concept or heading for extinction?
“Is retirement an idealistic industry-driven concept or is it really the picture-perfect period of peace and reflection worth striving for as a ‘natural progression’?” asks Patrick Barker, Private Client Portfolio Manager at Cannon Asset Managers. In most countries,...
Retirement: still a valid concept or heading for extinction?
“Is retirement an idealistic industry-driven concept or is it really the picture-perfect period of peace and reflection worth striving for as a ‘natural progression’?” asks Patrick Barker, Private Client Portfolio Manager at Cannon Asset Managers. In most countries,...
Retirement: still a valid concept or heading for extinction?
“Is retirement an idealistic industry-driven concept or is it really the picture-perfect period of peace and reflection worth striving for as a ‘natural progression’?” asks Patrick Barker, Private Client Portfolio Manager at Cannon Asset Managers. In most countries,...
Retirement: still a valid concept or heading for extinction?
“Is retirement an idealistic industry-driven concept or is it really the picture-perfect period of peace and reflection worth striving for as a ‘natural progression’?” asks Patrick Barker, Private Client Portfolio Manager at Cannon Asset Managers. In most countries,...
Book review: Become your own financial advisor
Become your own financial advisor. Now that sounds like a great idea. While you should always seek professional advice if you have any doubts about how to manage your money, there are a few basic financial truths that you can practise in order to become financially...
Budget your way out of debt
Debt counsellors see a surge in applications around February every year as the wheels fall off after the excesses of the festive season and the school fees are due in January. If you’re in debt, you’ll know the feelings of helplessness and desperation that can...
Fees can erode your retirement annuity value
Many South Africans will look to invest in a retirement annuity (RA) before the end of February, which represents the close of the country's tax year, in order to take advantage of the tax break. However, according to Steven Nathan, Chief Executive Officer of 10X...
Who should be providing good financial advice?
South Africans need better access to good, unfettered financial advice. But who is going to pay for this? Recently I was reminded of a story of a man I had once interviewed. Twelve years ago he was severely injured in a work accident and as a result he is permanently...
Starting a savings plan
“You always say that every cent is important so I want to start a savings plan. My pocket money is R400 a month and I want to save R200 to invest for the future. I want to know how I should invest my money,” writes Amogelang who is 22 years old and currently...
Surviving 2014 as a small business
South Africa’s economic outlook for year 2014 remains the subject of a national discussion and economists continue to emphasise that the country is not out of the woods yet. Early in 2014, consumers were greeted by yet another petrol price increase when the Department...